Top prospect exits game after being hit in hand

VIERA, Fla. — One of the scarier scenarios for the Astros rebuilding plan arose Wednesday night.

Top shortstop prospect Carlos Correa, who’s drawn rave reviews this spring, was hit by a pitch on the top of his left hand in the eighth inning of a 2-0 Astros win. He exited immediately and is set to undergo an X-Ray on Thursday morning, but the early indications are positive.

“The good news is that he passed all the strength tests and (trainer Nate Lucero) was able to get him inside and put ice on it right away,” manager Bo Porter said. “It was positive just because of the amount of strength which he had. … Obviously, it’s going to be sore. It’s going to hurt when you get hit with a ball in a tender area like that. There’s going to be some pain involved.”

Correa said he was worried at first, but once he got inside the visiting trainer’s room at Space Coast Stadium, he was more optimistic.

“I got kind of scared when I got hit, my hand got numb, I didn’t know how it would feel after,” Correa said. “So then when I got in here, I could totally move my hand and it felt a lot better.”

The Nationals’ Tyler Clippard threw the pitch.

Correa is expected to be a major league fixture eventually, but there’s an inherent unpredictability when it comes to certain types of injuries — or errant pitches.

“I feel good, I can swing the bat right now if I want to,” Correa said. “I iced it right after. You ice it right after, it feels a lot better. I don’t feel pain, not much pain, so it should be good.”

George Springer in the dugout before a spring training game between Astros and the Tigers.

George Springer in the dugout before a spring training game between Astros and the Tigers.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Astros RHP Scott Feldman warms up in the second inning.

Astros RHP Scott Feldman warms up in the second inning.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Astros RHP Brad Peacock pitches in the third inning.

Astros RHP Brad Peacock pitches in the third inning.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Carlos Correa turns a double play at second.

Carlos Correa turns a double play at second.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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The Detroit grounds crew performs to "YMCA" between innings.

The Detroit grounds crew performs to "YMCA" between innings.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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George Springer reacts as he strikes out.

George Springer reacts as he strikes out.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Domingo Santana and Gregorio Petit run towards a flyout by Detroit's Austin Jackson.

Domingo Santana and Gregorio Petit run towards a flyout by Detroit's Austin Jackson.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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George Springer hugs Detroit's Nick Castellanos before the start of the game.

George Springer hugs Detroit's Nick Castellanos before the start of the game.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Former Astro Enos Cabell stands during the National Anthem.

Former Astro Enos Cabell stands during the National Anthem.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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George Springer (79) during the National Anthem.

George Springer (79) during the National Anthem.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Christian Rasmussen, 8, of Michigan, waits for autographs.

Christian Rasmussen, 8, of Michigan, waits for autographs.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Zeline Borin, 3 1/2, of Atlanta, plays catch with her dad, Tony, during a spring training game

Zeline Borin, 3 1/2, of Atlanta, plays catch with her dad, Tony, during a spring training game

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Zeline Borin, 3 1/2, of Atlanta, plays catch with her dad, Tony, during a spring training game

Zeline Borin, 3 1/2, of Atlanta, plays catch with her dad, Tony, during a spring training game

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Matt Teitsma, of Grand Rapids, waits in the outfield for home run balls during batting practice before the game.

Matt Teitsma, of Grand Rapids, waits in the outfield for home run balls during batting practice before the game.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Delino DeShields shags balls in the outfield during batting practice as a fan asks for a ball.

Delino DeShields shags balls in the outfield during batting practice as a fan asks for a ball.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Detroit fans wait for home run balls during batting practice.

Detroit fans wait for home run balls during batting practice.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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A Tigers fan uses his binoculars to watch the game.

A Tigers fan uses his binoculars to watch the game.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Chris Carter signs autographs before the game.

Chris Carter signs autographs before the game.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<center><b>Feb. 28: Astros 7, Braves 5</b></center>
Houston Astros George Springer (79) looks out of the dugout during a spring training game between Houston and Atlanta at Champion Stadium, in Kissimmee, home of the Braves' spring training. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle) less

<center><b>Feb. 28: Astros 7, Braves 5</b></center>
Houston Astros George Springer (79) looks out of the dugout during a spring training game between Houston and Atlanta at Champion Stadium, in Kissimmee, ... more